Former Prince Forced to Move as Renovations Begin at New Home
Renovation work is progressing rapidly at the Norfolk farmhouse set to become the new home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The disgraced royal faces eviction from his long-term residence, the 30-room Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate, before he turns 66 on 19 February.
This move follows the King's decision to strip Andrew of his prince and duke titles in October, a direct consequence of his association with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. As part of this demotion, he was forced to surrender his unique tenancy agreement for Royal Lodge.
Security and Privacy Top Priority at Marsh Farm
Workers have been spotted at the run-down Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate, where significant efforts are underway to make the property habitable. To ensure security and privacy, six-foot wooden fences have been erected around the perimeter of the home.
An eyewitness reported a JCB digger on site this Tuesday, alongside electricians working to make the farm buildings liveable. Key upgrades include the installation of CCTV systems for extra protection. At least six workmen were seen entering the detached property, and a van from a specialist security company was also noted at the location.
A Palace insider confirmed, "The snow or rain hasn't delayed the work on Marsh Farm but it still needs a lot of attention to make it habitable. But one thing for sure is that it is a lot, lot smaller and less luxurious than Royal Lodge."
Temporary Move and a Final Separation
According to reports, Andrew will initially relocate to a temporary, smaller property on the King's Norfolk estate by the end of this month. He is expected to stay there until around Easter, when renovations at Marsh Farm are scheduled for completion.
This move also signals a significant change in his domestic life. Andrew has continued to live at Royal Lodge with his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, throughout the preparations. A friend stated, "He and Sarah will go their own separate ways for the first time in almost 20 years." Ferguson, who has lived with her ex-husband since 2008 despite their 1996 divorce, is reportedly looking for her own property, potentially in the Cotswolds or Portugal.
The choice of Marsh Farm, which has been empty for several years and is located two miles west of Sandringham House, came after speculation that Andrew preferred Wood Farm. There were concerns that the five-bedroom cottage, where Prince Philip retired, would place him "too close" to other senior royals.
This transition brings to light the extraordinary terms of Andrew's old Royal Lodge lease. Signed in 2003, the 75-year agreement required no rent in exchange for an £8 million upfront refurbishment and a promise to allow property inspections. Astonishingly, not a single Crown Estate official inspected the mansion in the 22 years he lived there, raising serious questions about a potential "sweetheart deal" funded by the taxpayer.
